Bentonite Clay: What It Is & How I Use It Every Day, Week, & Month
Body Detoxification DIY DIY Skincare & Beauty Natural DIY Personal Care
Bentonite clay belongs in every natural medicine cabinet AND natural beauty routine! But what is bentonite clay? And how exactly do you use it?
In my bathroom I have about 7 small paper bags filled with an identical substance.
Bentonite clay.
They’re basically… everywhere. (Note to self: consolidate their contents into a single glass jar.)
Needless to say, I’m kind of, sort of, definitely obsessed with the stuff. It’s more than an obsession, really — it’s a dependence. I’ve grown to need it. No no, the stuff isn’t addictive, but it’s become a staple in both my health and beauty routines that I really can’t live without.
First things first, what makes bentonite clay so special?
Bentonite clay is sedimentary clay composed of weathered and aged volcanic ash. The most active deposits of which are in Wyoming and Montana.
It’s a “healing clay,” a clay that absorbs impurities such as toxins and heavy metals either when ingested or applied topically. According to Mountain Rose Herbs,
Bentonite is very unusual in the fact that once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an ‘electrical charge’… When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound.”
It is for this reason that bentonite clay should never be stored in a metal container or stirred with a metal spoon (hence the bamboo spoon in my photos) since the clay absorbs the metals and becomes less effective.
Bentonite clay is also rich in minerals like silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium.
A good quality bentonite clay is grey or cream in color — steer clear of white “bentonite clay” (since it’s likely not actually bentonite clay). It is very fine, has a velvet feel, is odorless and non-staining. I get my bentonite clay from Mountain Rose Herbs — it’s my go-to for the highest quality herbal remedy and DIY natural skincare ingredients!
So how can you use this oh-so-special clay in your natural health and beauty routine?
There’s a seemingly endless number of ways to put bentonite clay to good use!
Here’s how I use bentonite clay every day, week, and month…
Everyday
In my deodorant for some extra detoxification
Bentonite clay is the ingredient that puts the “detox” in my DIY all-natural detoxifying deodorant. Not only does it absorb moisture, but it also helps pull toxins from the skin. This is so SUPER important since we have lymph nodes near our armpits. In essence, it is the anti-antiperspirant 🙂
Every Week
As a pure-purging face mask
Because of its ability to absorb impurities, bentonite clay works wonders for clogged pores.
Pair it with activated charcoal — a medicinal charcoal that also works to absorb impurities — and a little water and you’ve got the Blackhead Busting Blackout Mask. I use it once a week to help maintain a clear complexion.
Every Month
Sprinkled in the tub for a detox bath
I add just ¼ cup of bentonite clay to my baths to help draw out impurities while I relax and get nice and clean. See what else I add here: Relaxing Detox Bath Recipe
As a detox clay foot mask
Yes, a foot mask! I know, it sounds a little nutty. BUT detoxing through the feet is considered one of the safest ways to do so. Get all the details here: Detox Clay Foot Mask
But this is just the beginning… There are so many great ways to use bentonite clay!
Now I know that 7 bags is a little excessive (I have a habit of buying more before I actually need it!), but it is a great staple for every medicine cabinet.
Do you use bentonite clay for anything in particular? I’d love to hear how!
The main difference in internal /external quality of bentonite clay is whether it is sodium or calcium bentonite clay. One is very absorbent meaning it expands a great deal more when exposed to water. There are lots of web sites that explain the different types of clays. Just type edible clays in your browser and you can get the details .
Does anyone know if it’s safe to use calcium bentonite clay internally while breast feeding?
It mostly deactivates the clay, as far as I understand.
I have a powder that is in a metal container and one of the ingredients is clay. Is it bad for my skin now that it has touched the metal? What would it do to my skin?
Wow wow wow! Thanks so much for sharing!! I’m so glad you’ve been able to find a remedy that works for him.
My son has had eczema that has been nagging for 4 years. I have been to dermatologist and alternative therapy but nothing has stopped my son from itching and suffering at night. Having done research, I came accross Calcium Bentonite which i used in my son’s bath, then applied a paste onm the itchy spots followed by some mixed with his moisturising oil. Ther result was amazing after 3 days, my son started having peaceful night and the exzema dried up. I would recomend this to anyoen, any time!!!
Those all sound awesome – thanks for sharing!!
I use bentonite clay with honey about once a week or so as a facial mask. A small amount goes a lon way! It’s really great to use at “that time of the month”. It helps prevent full on breakouts, for me, and tones down any redness I might have. My sister uses the french green clay, her skin is a bit more oily, and she loves it! She also mixes with honey or water to make a mask. Removes makeup too! I’ve also heard of people mixing a pinch of clay into their lip balms (esp. tinted ones). I also make a chamomile flower, clay, and oat mixture to cleanse skin. IT’s fantastic and for all skin types!
I don’t personally use it internally. I’d check with the manufacturer – they likely explain why in their site.
Also, in addition, I also have French green clay… It has pretty great benefits as well, but I wonder about it’s lack of an external use only label. Any Ideas?
From what I read, it’s all pretty much safe for internal use, the thing is, I have some from Nature’s Food patch that says on the container, external use only, and I can’t find an answer on why. It IS a near white some what cream color, and I know that’s not a good form. But I put it in my tooth powder anyway. Now… I don’t swallow the toothpowder right now, but I hope to be able to. Any answers on WHY this clay says external use only?
Hi!
Does anyone have a recipe for cold sore lip balm with bentonite clay? (grey coloured)
How much do you use to give to your horse?
I, tried it internally for a time before. Make sure that you pace yourself. A TINY bit per day and work your way up. Espcially for highly toxic/sick people. If you take a large amount( like a tablespoon or so per day), dependant upon how toxic you are since this stuff draws in toxins by natural nature, you will be in if you are foolish with the internal use of this stuff, you will be in a little bit of pain, or a lot to total misery since the larger the dose the more toxins that are accumulated. Which means toxins are draw out of your body which is good, but to much toxins draw out of the body at one time could possible damage it. Work your way from a little bit and build it up at your own comfort level from there.
I, am not a doctor, I just speak from experience, use at your own risk, not mine.
Nice!!
I have not tried using bentonite clay internally but i use it weekly for a face mask. I also combine bragg’s apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of olive oil and use it on my hair.
Hello Sue, I found a Pinterest article “The Ultimate Detox Bath” on One Good Thing by Jillee in which the writer notes that her “little town is home to Redmond Clay, who markets an all-natural Utah bentonite clay used by the Fremont Indians thousands of years ago.” It sounds like Redmond Clay is just one of the companies that markets bentonite clay.
from what I’ve read online it sounds like it’s pretty much the exact same thing maybe just Sold from a different company. all of the characteristic sound exactly the same! I can’t give you a definitive answer because I’ve never used Redmond clay. so don’t just rely solely on my word.
I am just wondering is benanite clay and Redmond clay one and the same? I am finding it hard to get an answe on line?
I absolutely love calcium bentonite clay! It has become a staple in my life as well. It has as a matter of fact saved my life. And made my biggest dream a reality. For 5 years I suffered from my pH imbalance in my body which led to having a bacterial infection in my feminine area. No doctor or medicine could help me. Then one day during one of my many searches for a cure, I came across a forum where a woman posted that she used calcium bentonite clay internally to cure her BV infection. I thought why not try it since I’ve tried everything else. I ordered it off of Amazon and I mix 1 tbsp with two ounces of water in the morning and in the night and I drink it. I also drink plenty of water throughout the day so that it can continue to absorb the way it should. Within 2 weeks it cured my BV and me and my boyfriend were able to conceive our beautiful little girl. It is safe to take before, during and after pregnancy and during breastfeeding. this clay means so much to me I want to share its wonderful powers with the world. & I do not want another woman suffering from BV to go through all those things that I went through for so many years.